LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jeff Hayes, agricultural educator at Rockcastle County High School in Mount Vernon, Ky. has been selected as the 2013 Kentucky winner of the Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award given by the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award winners are agricultural educators who are at the pinnacle of their careers, conducting the highest quality agricultural education programs. The award recognizes leadership in civic, community, and professional activities. Award winners are innovators and catalysts for student success in agricultural education.

NAAE is the professional organization in the United States for agricultural educators. It provides its’ nearly 8,000 members with professional networking and development opportunities, professional liability coverage, and extensive awards and recognition programs. The mission of NAAE is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” The NAAE headquarters are in Lexington, Ky.